Big Dance is the UK’ s biggest celebration of dance and dancing. In 2014, Ausdance NSW brought Big Dance to the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Today Big Dance is performed in our most cherished natural icon, Mindil Beach with the sun setting over the ocean, and puts Darwin on the world map. This year the choreography is by world-renowned Akram Khan, the music by equally renowned Asian fusion musician Nitin Sawhney. 77 Darwin dancers joined in to take part in the Top End's biggest ever group dance.

Big Dance began in the UK in 2006. Since its inception it has spread internationally to cities and towns around the world, involving entire global communities, encouraging fun through dance. Since its inception Big Dance has spread to other places in the world and in 2014 Ausdance NSW in partnership with Sydney Dance Company brought it to Australia, enabling Sydney to join the ranks with a huge performance of 'The Big Dance choreography' at the Sydney Opera House and two regional locations. The choreography was created by Rafael Bonachela, Artistic Director of Sydney Dance Company.

For every Big Dance event, an internationally renowned choreographer is chosen to create a 5-minute dance that has the versatility for the widest possible assortment of dancers, of all skill levels, to join in. The choreography is taught to dance teachers who go on to teach the dance to as many people as possible. It goes viral and rapidly evolves into the largest celebration of dance in the world.

We are very excited to have the opportunity to lead Big Dance Australia 2016 as part of the Northern Territory Government's signature Territory Day celebrations, in association with Big Dance UK.

Michelle Silby, Director of Big Dance Australia, said:

"We are excited to announce that this year's Big Dance choreographer is Akram Khan. Khan, originating from Bangladesh and now based in the UK practices intertwined movement rooted in classical kathak and contemporary dance."

The public performance is filmed, edited and then uploaded to the official Big Dance website, joining the rest of the world. The NT Big Dance film will also be featured at this year’s Australian Dance Awards being held in Perth, WA.